9-year-old struck by car passing school bus
The boy was dragged 80 feet and knocked unconscious when he was hit by a car while crossing the street on Tuesday in Lakewood, New Jersey.
A boy was dragged about 80 feet by a car that was passing his school bus as he crossed the street.
LAKEWOOD, N.J. — A 9-year-old boy was knocked unconscious and injured when he was struck by a car passing his school bus here on Tuesday, authorities said.
The incident happened around 5 p.m., after the boy left the bus and was crossing the street. Investigators said that the bus had its warning stop lights activated, but a 2004 Nissan Sentra drove by and struck the boy, dragging him about 80 feet through an intersection.
Police and EMS were dispatched to the scene. The unconscious boy was transported to a hospital, where he was treated for various injuries, including head injuries.
The Ocean County Prosecutors Office identified the Nissan driver as Michael Adler, 26, of Lakewood. Adler has been charged with reckless driving and failure to stop for a school bus. He consented to a blood draw, which was conducted at a medical center.
Authorities said that the ongoing investigation will determine whether additional charges are warranted.
More Safety
From Reactive to Proactive: Making Every Ride Visible
Smart technology only delivers its full value when it works together. See how Catalyst connects proven industry platforms to move student transportation from reactive to proactive.
Read More →
HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud Warns Motorists of Stopped School Buses
Through a transponder or Samsara connection, the product lets school bus fleets send advance warnings to approaching drivers through in-vehicle alerts.
Read More →
HopSkipDrive Reports Progress on Safety Advisory Council
More than a year after forming the council, independent safety experts have helped shape new rider-safety features and policy progress, with a new goal to address rider behavior.
Read More →
What the 2026 National School Bus Safety Month Resolution Means for Student Transportation
The bipartisan resolution highlights illegal school bus passing, student safety during loading and unloading, and the need for driver training and public education.
Read More →
School Bus Stop-Arm Violations Decline 53% Across Verra Mobility Programs
Verra Mobility shares how school bus stop-arm cameras and school zone safety programs are changing driver behavior, reducing violations, and protecting students.
Read More →
Most Bus Crashes Aren’t Your Fault. Here’s How to Prove It.
A guide for what to do in between a school bus crash and a claim: what to preserve, who to notify, and how to keep the facts available when they matter.
Read More →
National School Bus Safety Week 2026: Tips, Toolkits & Resources to Keep Students Safe
School bus safety takes more than awareness. Explore expert tips, enforcement strategies, and free resources to help protect students on every ride.
Read More →
2 Killed, Dozens Injured in Florida School Bus Crash
A multi-vehicle collision caused a Polk County school bus carrying 37 students to overturn on its way to Winter Haven High School.
Read More →
Illegal School Bus Passing Drops 24% in New York Districts
With fewer than 5% of citations involving repeat offenders, Westchester County officials said enforcement, education, and community partnerships are helping change driver behavior.
Read More →
School's Back. Here's What Happened to Traffic, Speeding & Distraction
What happens to traffic when school resumes? New data analysis examines changes in distracted driving, congestion, and speeding around schools.
Read More →